Basil Essence
Description
© Southwest School of Botanical Medicine
BASIL (Ocymum basilicum)
Family: Labiatae (mint)
Source: The Essential oil is obtained from the Leaves.
Fragrance: Spicy, like aniseed.
Volatility: Top note.
General description and habitat:
More than 100 varieties; common variety has dark green leaves and is very aromatic; height up to 20 - 50 cm; white flowers arranged like a brush on a stem; originated in India, but now grown in many hot countries.
Principal constituents:
Camphor, cineol, estragol (or methyl chavicol), eugenol, linalool, pinene.
History
History and folk use:
Reached Europe in the sixteenth century. Has been regarded in Europe as symbol of fertility, or even evil or death. The Greeks believed planting should be accompanied by words of abuse! Pliny recommended basil for jaundice, epilepsy and as a diuretic. Has also been used as an aphrodisiac, and for melancholy and depression.
Properties & Uses
General properties:
Antispasmodic, carminative, galactogenic, stomachic, tonic uplifting and warming.
Primary Uses:
| Colds | Hay fever |
| Menopause | Migraine |
| Nervous insomnia | Stress. |
Secondary Uses:
| Anorexia, | Depression, |
| Digestive disorders, | Earache,. |
| Fainting, | Hiccoughs, |
| Indecision, | Irregular menstruation, |
| Mental fatigue, | Nasal polyps, |
| Nausea, | Neuralgia, |
| Oversensitivity, | Poor concentration, |
| Poor memory, | Respiratory problems, |
| Rhinitis, | Sinusitis, |
| Vomiting. |
Contraindications
Caution in pregnancy. Estragol content of some varieties may cause adverse reactions in sensitive individuals.
Avoid use in sun.
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